Newsletter

Bryan County child struck after leaving school bus, dies

PEMBROKE - A 5-year-old Bryan County child has died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday afternoon while he was crossing the road after exiting a school bus just outside of Pembroke on Ga. Hwy. 119 near the intersection of Sims Road.

According to Georgia State Patrol trooper Henry Gilliard, Odum had gotten off the bus, which was travelling southbound on 119, and was crossing over into the northbound lane, when he was struck by a red Ford pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old juvenile. Odum suffered serious head trauma from the accident and was rushed to the hospital.

Gilliard said the bus came to a complete stop and had its cautionary stop sign and lights flashing, but the driver of the truck failed to stop.

"The driver stated that he did not see the lights flashing," Gilliard said. "It was raining very hard, but other than wet roads, we haven't calculated any speed or anything yet."

Gilliard said the investigation has been turned over to the Specilaized Collision Reconstruction unit out of Reidsville. Any charges are pending based on the outcome of that investigation.

Bryan County schools Superintendent Paul Brooksher issued a statement Friday on the system website.

"Bryan County Schools is devastated by the loss of one of its own students. The loss of a precious child is unconscionable, and we are truly saddened by this tragedy," Brooksher said. "An event this tragic has significant emotional impact on the school system and community alike. As we move forward, it is important that we keep the student's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. Counselors throughout the school district arrived at Lanier Primary School early this morning to make sure all student needs were being met.

"Also, we are committed to working with our faculty, staff and students in this time of sorrow and need."